It may seem old-fashioned, but coupon clipping is a simple way to save money when times are tight. It just takes planning, research, and flexibility.
Plan Your Method
When using coupons, it can be easy to fall into the trap of buying items you would not usually use. Decide what items you need or want to buy over the next week or month first. Make a shopping list that includes everything you might need.
Look Up Your List
Now that you have a solid shopping list, get a copy of the newspaper or go online. Figure out which stores are having sales, specials, or are offering the best prices. Plan your shopping trip so you get the best combination of prices and traveling distance – if you have to drive to multiple stores, you may wipe out whatever savings you build up.
Analyze Coupons
Once you know what items you need and have a good idea for where they are on sale, start researching coupons. Newspapers are a good source for coupons, but the internet is one of the best sources. When you sign up for company email newsletters, they will often send you coupons. There are many websites that act as coupon clearinghouses. Some websites charge between 10 and 50 cents for coupons, while others offer some for free. It is important to take note of expiration dates and limitations.
Double-down your savings
Now that you have lists of coupons and sales that go along with your shopping list, you can start to match them together. Match a store’s two-for-one sale with a manufacturer’s coupon for an even better price. Stores often offer individual coupons that can be matched with manufacturer’s coupons. By matching coupons with one another, you can save extra money.
Being flexible is key
There will be times that you truly will find a great deal on an item you may not have on your shopping list. Make sure that whatever the item with the great deal is, you will actually use it. Be willing to alter your shopping list to match whatever you will use that is on special that week. One way to keep yourself organized is to keep a month-long list of meals, and then cross them off as you go.
Take your planning out shopping
Get both your coupons and your plan organized and then it’s time to go shopping. While you’re shopping, keep your eyes open for club card deals and in-store coupons. Keep in-store coupons and file them so you can double-down in the future. Importantly, try to keep your impulse purchases to a minimum. It won’t help save money if you end up buying lots of items you don’t need.
Clipping coupons can take extra time and effort – but the money you end up saving could be worth it. Just be sure to plan, research, be flexible.
